When you purchase a new dryer, there are some ways to prevent frequent appliance repair and extend its lifespan. Even though many dryers now are equipped with complex components, like wrinkle shields and moisture sensors, you may be making user errors that prevent the machine from working at its full potential. To avoid costly repairs and ensure your laundry comes out perfectly, review these common do’s and don’ts of dryer maintenance.

Do:

Clean the dryer vent pipe.

Cleaning the dryer vent pipe is essential to prevent fires and maintain the machine. An accumulation of lint will affect the airflow, leading to issues with dryer efficiency and possible fires. About every six to twelve months, call your appliance repair team to take off the vent from behind the dryer and remove any lint buildup. 

Regularly wash the lint screen. 

If you use dryer sheets often, they may be causing a chemical coating to build up on the moisture sensors in the drum and the lint screen. Removing the lint on the screen after each load isn’t enough to keep the machine working efficiently. Every three months, wash the screen with mild soap and scrub it with a toothbrush or cloth. You can also put it in the dishwasher to remove any dryer sheet residue.

Don’t:

Overload the dryer.

Remember back in college when everyone would stuff as many clothes as they could fit into the washer and dryer? The clothes aren’t able to move around, which leads to longer drying time, musty smells, and more wrinkles in the fabric. Larger loads also use up more energy, putting a strain on the dryer. To avoid spending money on appliance repairs, don’t overload the dryer. Instead, only fill it up to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Your clothes will dry faster, and the machine will stay in top shape for longer.

Ignore the drum.

While cleaning the lint screen and the vent pipe is helpful, you should also wipe down the drum. This part of the machine contains chemicals and oily residue that can pass on to your clothes. To keep your fabrics fresh and clean, use a cloth and some rubbing alcohol to take off any dryer sheet residue. Make sure it’s completely dry before throwing in a load of wet laundry. 

By remembering these simple tips, you’ll prevent frequent appliance repairs and extend the life of the dryer. If you’ve taken these steps, but your machine isn’t working as it used to, contact the team at Appliance Parts of Radcliffe in Hardin County, KY. For over 25 years, they have been the go-to provider for HVAC supplies as well as parts for dryers, air conditioners, and refrigerators. For more information about their appliance offerings, visit their website or call (270) 352-2900.